Status: Read from December 08 to 10, 2013 — I own a copy {Courtesy the publisher}

My Thoughts:

The second installment in the Kismet Knight, Vampire Psychologist, Blood Therapy, picks up a short time after the conclusion of The Vampire Shrink.

With the deranged vampire that kidnapped Kismet in book one, Lucifer/Brother Luther, still on the loose, much of the plot action is concerned with the search for him as he continues to stalk Kismet and resumes his killing spree – this time targeting female psychologists with a resemblance to Kismet. Hilburn maintains suspense as Lucifer moves ever closer to recapturing Kismet

Meanwhile, the emotional storyline involves Kismet reconsidering her intimate relationship with Devereaux, especially given Alan’s continued interest, as she learns more about the Master Vampire. I can’t blame Kismet for being concerned and I like that she takes a step back here and thinks about the repercussions of the relationship, and the secrets Devereaux is still keeping.

My biggest issue with Vampire Shrink was the trouble I had reconciling the analytical, sensitive, intelligent Kismet we were introduced to with the caricature that she became. Thankfully her character is less hysterical in Blood Therapy, though Kismet’s penchant for second guessing herself is still an annoyance. Overall, Kismet is adjusting well to the paranormal underground, give or take surprise meetings with a celebrity or two, and she is managing her unique clientele sensibly. I like that seeks help with her emerging abilities in Blood Therapy and manages to wrest some control of her life back.

Devereaux is also much more interesting in this installment. The 800 year old vampire is frustrated and angry about his inability to capture Lucifer, not just because of the danger he poses to Kismet but also because lesser vampires are questioning his leadership as a result of the failure. There are glimpses of vulnerability which I prefer over the broody alpha type and his struggle to overcome his ‘nature’ is sweet, and occasionally funny.

There is humor and romance along with plenty of angst in Blood Therapy and I think it is a much stronger and better balanced story than the introduction to the series. I am looking forward to seeing how the third book, Crimson Psyche, develops.

Kismet Knight, Vampire Psychologist books/stories order:
Devereux: The Night Before Kismet [short story]
The Vampire Shrink
Until Death Do Us Part [free short story]
Sex in a Coffin [short story]
Blood Therapy
Crimson Psyche